Aberdeen & Grampian

Beechgrove Cottage, Pitmedden Garden

StatusDates available

RatingVery Good

Area Aberdeen & Grampian

Sleeps 4

Bedrooms2

DogsNot allowed

This recently refurbished sunny south-facing cottage nestles in the wooded grounds of Pitmedden Garden. The garden lies just fifteen miles from Aberdeen and features miles of geometric boxwood hedging to wander round, all secluded behind walls of granite - the same stone that gave the city its famous nickname.
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In spring and summer take advantage of Beechgrove Cottage's enclosed garden and picnic table for alfresco eating; in winter time enjoy the sitting room's open fire.

Although Wi-Fi is not available at the property you are visiting, there is mobile network coverage provided by Virgin & Vodafone which will give you internet access if you have a dongle or appropriate device. Charges for internet access and data usage are available from the network operator. Please note that we do not supply PCs or laptops and that the signal can vary in strength in more remote areas.
Accommodation details

1 storey

Sleeps 4 - 1 double, 1 twin

Sitting/dining room with open fire

Kitchen

Bathroom with bath and shower over bath

Electric central heating

Night storage and panel heaters

Immersion water heating

Parking available beside the cottage

About Pitmedden GardenFive miles of immaculate boxwood hedging create the intricate patterns that weave through Pitmedden Garden. Their original design was laid out by the 1st Baronet of Pitmedden in 1675, but the with plans lost in a fire in 1807, Edinburgh's Holyroodhouse formed the template for its reconstruction.

Over 80 varieties of apple trees give off fragrant blossom in the spring and rich pickings in the autumn, while the steady drip of Pitmedden's fountains is a refreshing sound when wandering through the gardens in the summer months.

About the areaPitmedden village is one mile away from the gardens and has the nearest local supermarket.

A few miles further away is the ancient village of Tarves, thought to have been founded as a church settlement in 600AD.

Things to do

The local Tolquhon Gallery is located in an old Victorian farmhouse nearby and hosts regular exhibitions. In the summertime, get inspired by the sights and scents of the gardens, and sign up for one of their weekend workshops.

Step into a fairytale landscape at Fyvie Castle, just over 20 miles away. Not only do the sculpted turrets and fine tapestries look the part, but the castle is steeped in legends, and rumour has it, harbours the odd ghost or two.

Haddo House, near the ancient village of Tarves is a sprawling Georgian country mansion, set in an estate that would make a Jane Austen heroine swoon.

Getting thereBy Car: On A920, to the north-west of Pitmedden village and 14 miles north of Aberdeen.
By bicycle: 2 miles from NCN1
By bus: Infrequent bus service from Aberdeen stops on the B999 by Hillside in Pitmedden. From there, take a short 10 minute walk through the woodland to the cottage. Service number 290/1. Tel: (01224) 212266.
OS Ref: NJ887284 < Hide

Crovie Cottage, Crovie

StatusDates available

RatingVery Good

Area Aberdeen & Grampian

Sleeps 4

Bedrooms2

DogsDogs allowed

This cosy, restored traditional fishing cottage dates from a time when the sea was the only mode of transport to and from Scotland's shores, and provided the livelihood for coastal communities. Perched on Crovie's unusual seashore rocky shelf the sitting room windows look out to the bay, enclosed north and south by magnificent cliffs.
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17th century wood panelling and an open fire complete Crovie Cottage's old sea dog charm. In the summertime, take to the private garden and make use of the cottage's barbeque.

Accommodation details

2 storey

Sleeps 4 - 1 double, 1 single, 1 box bed in sitting room

Sitting/dining room with sea view and open fire

Shower room

Kitchen

Private garden with patio and barbeque

WiFi

Fitted electric Dimplex heating

...Our guests said..."...more and more reluctant to venture away from Crovie, preferring to sit in front of the cottage and watch the changing seascape and tides, the coming & going of fishing boats, and the glorious sunsets".

About the areaCrovie is a unique place, a conservation village created on a seashore ledge so narrow it has only enough room for the cottages built on it and a small footpath. The cliffs that stretch above it form the east side of Gamrie Bay; on the other side of the village is the sea.

Crovie comprises around 50 fishing cottages, most of which date back 150 years or more, and is one of the best preserved fishing villages in Europe. A pebble beach to the west end of the winding path leads to the next village, Gardenstown, one mile away. Look out for bottlenosed dolphins along the way.

Things to do

Sample Cullen Skink in the town it hails from. The traditional smoked haddock soup is a hearty winter warmer. Cullen village is just over 20 miles away.

Tee off in one of the area's 50 nearby golf courses, and re-charge your batteries afterwards in Gardenstown's 18th century inn.

See how the other half lived at Fyvie Castle, just over 25 miles away. Sculpted turrets and fine tapestries give the castle a fairytale feel and it is steeped in local legends and myths.

Getting thereFrom Banff head through Macduff on A98 towards Fraserburgh. 0.50 mile after Macduff take B9031 left turn Gardenstown. 8 miles later take Crovie turn to left.

This cottage is privately owned. Please note that bookings are restricted to full weeks only (Saturday to Saturday), short breaks are not available at this property. The entry time to the cottage is from 5pm onwards on day of arrival. Parking is available for residents and their guests at the north-west end of the village. Parking in high season can require skill and patience. If the lower car park alongside the village is full, there is additional parking on the road to the village - luggage can be off-loaded at the bottom and taken by wheelbarrow (stored in the back garden). < Hide

Garden Cottage, Towie Barclay Castle

StatusDates available

RatingExcellent

Area Aberdeen & Grampian

Sleeps 6

Bedrooms3

DogsDogs allowed

This charming cottage is set next to the courtyard of 16th century Towie Barclay Castle. Its restoration won the Civic Trust Award, in honour of its beautifully preserved period features such as the stone-flagged floors and timber ceilings.
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In summertime relax in the cottage's private, enclosed garden and make use of the barbeque, or drive off into the wooded countryside to explore this historic part of the north.

...Our guests said..."..we felt at home the moment we stepped in the door..."

"..full of charm and character. The tour of the castle and coffee was very much appreciated and a highlight of our stay".

About Towie Barclay CastleTowie Barclay Castle, some 4 miles south of the market town of Turriff in Aberdeenshire, was built in the 16th century by the Barclay family. The castle lay in ruins until 1971 when an award-winning programme of restoration was carried out by the present owners. It is now privately owned.

About the areaIn the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, close to Royal Deeside, whisky distilleries, museums, over 50 golf courses, historical sites and the cliffs of the Moray coast, Towie Barclay is an ideal base from which to discover the many lesser-known jewels in Scotland's crown.

Things to do

A visit to the area would not be complete without taking in breathtaking Fyvie Castle, a few miles away. A little further afield, (approx 1.5 hours drive) Craigievar Castle is another fabulous example of turretted Scottish Baronial architecture.

Crovie village, perched on a ledge between cliff and sea and too narrow to even allow cars, is approximately 20 miles away. Take a walk along the pebble beach and keep an eye out for bottlenosed dolphins.

Getting thereThe cottage is situated just off the A947, 4 miles from Turriff. Aberdeen is 27 miles away.

Public transport accessible. Short breaks are not available at this property, it is restricted to full weeks only (Saturday to Saturday). Please note that the entry time to this property is from 5pm onwards on day of arrival. < Hide